TANAKA FETINANDI
The government has been praised for its local tourism promotion thrust that saw thousands of locals flocking the country’s tourism destinations.
This festive season, observers say, came as a practical example of how locals have embraced tourism with the First Family leading by example after touring Nyanga, Manicaland province while many travelled to different tourist destinations in what observers say was a boost for the multi-billion-dollar industry.
Mnangagwa flew to Nyanga with his family where they took time trout fishing, visited the Worlds View and also interacted with residents in the resort town. The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality says the increase in revenue growth and economic expansion was due to the domestic and international tourism campaigns that the ministry has been doing.
Barbara Rwodzi is the minister and deputised by Tongai Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa told Business Times this week that there is also “serious job creation” in the tourism sector.
“Several positive things have actually been observed in our economy from the time we started our domestic and international tourism campaigns,” Mnangagwa said.
“There is a mad revenue increase because we are attracting both local and foreign tourists. We also have deliberately decided that we should not only focus on our traditional markets.”
Zimbabwe has been a favourite for tourists from different countries over the years with Equatorial Guinea Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, recently visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Several other tourists including footballers, Hollywood stars, business tycoons among other coming through.
Zimbabwe has been running with the #Zimbho #Uripi where it has been encouraging locals to visit local destinations.
